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Ethical considerations on quadratic voting

Author

Listed:
  • Ben Laurence

    (University of Chicago)

  • Itai Sher

    (University of California, San Diego)

Abstract

This paper explores ethical issues raised by quadratic voting. We compare quadratic voting to majority voting from two ethical perspectives: the perspective of utilitarianism and that of democratic theory. From a utilitarian standpoint, the comparison is ambiguous: if voter preferences are independent of wealth, then quadratic voting outperforms majority voting, but if voter preferences are polarized by wealth, then majority voting may be superior. From the standpoint of democratic theory, we argue that assessments in terms of efficiency are too narrow. Voting institutions and political institutions more generally face a legitimacy requirement. We argue that in the presence of inequalities of wealth, any vote buying mechanism, including quadratic voting, will have a difficult time meeting this requirement.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Laurence & Itai Sher, 2017. "Ethical considerations on quadratic voting," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 172(1), pages 195-222, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:172:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-017-0413-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-017-0413-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandra Casella & Antonin Macé, 2021. "Does Vote Trading Improve Welfare?," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 13(1), pages 57-86, August.
    2. Casella, Alessandra & Macé, Antonin, 2020. "Does Vote Trading Improve Welfare?," CEPR Discussion Papers 15201, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Hans Gersbach, 2022. "New Forms of Democracy," CESifo Working Paper Series 10134, CESifo.

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